POLICY CRITIQUE

Nursing Entry to Practice Programme

September 2014
 Why?
• To demonstrate your ability to select & review relevant
literature
• To demonstrate your ability to link evidence based
research throughout the critique of the policy
• To engage with the quality improvement process
 Nursing Knowledge…
• Knowledge is never absolute
• Always based on best available evidence
• Used to inform best practice
• Should always be something that is aimed towards

• Research = generation of new knowledge

• From the middle French word cerchier, with the prefix re-, signifies
a re-occurring event
• ‘to search closely’
 Definitions

 Evidence Based Practice: “systematic research that is

rigorous and well designed. The findings have been
supported in a series of studies”

 Best Practice: “using the most recent, relevant and

helpful interventions based on research, in real life
practice/infusing day to day practice with research”
Critical Reflection
 Clinical Reasoning

“Clinical reasoning is a process whereby knowledge,

scientific information and experience are used in
considering multiple possibilities to achieve desired
goals whilst considering the patient situation. Critical
thinking is inherent in making sound clinical
reasoning”

Benner, Hughes & Sutphen, 2008

• Policy: “…mandatory written directive that reflects the organisation’s
values and defines its position on a given subject”

• Procedure: “…mandatory set of instructions that may be associated

with a policy”

• Protocol: “…mandatory set of decision-making rules based on best

practice

• Guidelines: “…statement of recommended practice for use in specific

circumstances. Staff are advised to follow guidelines but compliance is
not mandatory”

 Capital Coast Health Board, 2007 pg. 2 &3. Policy, procedure, protocol or guideline documents.
Critical Thinking
 Where do I start?
• Due 16th February
• Discuss
• Identify gaps in own knowledge
• Identify gaps between practice and policy
What do I do??
How do I do it?
What do I get for it?
I need to do what??
 Critiquing your chosen policy
 What is the relationship like between academic literature
and policy content?
 What is the relationship between clinical practice and
policy adherence?
 When was it last updated?
 What do international guidelines look like?
 Recommendations
• Synthesis of policy content, policy in practice &
academic literature generates recommendations
• Are they reasonable?
• Do they flow on from your critique?
What makes a good reference?

• Quality
• Relevance
• Timeframe
• APA latest edition
• We do check!
 Don’t forget…
• Make sure you are using the most current policy
• Consider paper vs online policies
• Utilise the library services for up-to-date literature
• Confidentiality
• Professionalism